Suppose we face some outer danger, which makes us feel overwhelmed by fear. That a cautionary note sounds inside us in such situations is natural, desirable and essential — fear needs to be a component in our consciousness at such times so that we can respond appropriately. However, the problem arises when fear becomes not a component, but the sole component of our consciousness. 

When fear takes over our consciousness, it makes us convinced that the danger will lead to disaster; and we start mentally painting various nightmarish scenarios about how that disaster might unfold. With our consciousness thus locked by fear, we are just not able to think of any strategies by which we can tackle the danger. Even if we try to think positively, the lock of fear prevents us from doing anything more than just hoping that the danger goes away automatically. 

If we are locked in a cell, we would look for a door to free ourselves. Similarly, when our consciousness is locked by fear, we need to look for a door — and it is courage that directs our vision toward such a door. Bolstered by courage, we change our driving question from “What might happen?” to “What can I do?” Such a change in question can give a small opening for our consciousness to start thinking beyond the various fearsome scenarios to tangible solutions. 

We can muster courage faster if we are equipped with the wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita. Gita wisdom reminds us that we are, at our core, indestructible spiritual beings — no danger can even dent our core, let alone destroy it (02.23). With the confidence coming from contemplating our indestructibility, we can focus on some steps, however small, that we can take to deal with the situation. The more we choose to act with courage, the more our consciousness becomes unlocked, thereby freeing us from the paralyzing effect of fear. 

Summary: 

When fear locks our consciousness in nightmarish fantasies, courage enables us to look for the door to tangible solutions. 

Think it over: 

  • How does fear lock our consciousness? 
  • How can courage unlock our consciousness? 
  • How can Gita wisdom help us muster courage faster?

***

02.23: The soul can never be cut to pieces by any weapon, nor burned by fire, nor moistened by water, nor withered by the wind.

Audio explanation of the article is here:  https://gitadaily.substack.com/p/when-fear-locks-our-consciousness

To know more about this verse, please click on the image